Community Based Big Sister of the Year

Posted by Marcus Madison349.20pc on December 11, 2015

At the age of eleven, Molly has faced challenges that many of us will never have to deal with in a lifetime. She is enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi, mentoring children of prisoners program. Molly lives with her grandmother and is happy to have her Big Sister Cheryl always by her side.

Cheryl decided to become a Big Sister because she felt she wanted to give back to the community. According to Cheryl,“I have been blessed with an amazing family and want others to experience the love and caring I have felt. I have a special place in my heart for children and try to be a positive influence in Molly’s life. We do fun, positive activities. I always tell Molly not to dwell on her circumstances. She can change her story. I tell her she can be whatever she wants to be.”

Cheryl and Molly meet for a few hours about twice a month. Molly is a talented artist so Cheryl always has art and craft supplies to encourage her creativity. Recently she made beautiful thank you cards.

Cheryl commented, “We think of Molly as a member of the family. She even calls my Mom and Dad grandma and grandpa and calls my sister, Aunt. Another positive influence is my husband, Joe. He listens, spends time with her and they get along great. I can see the sparkle in her eyes when they are together. I think this is especially important for Molly since she doesn’t have any other father figure actively involved in her life.”

Molly and Cheryl have been matched since October of 2010. Over the years, they’ve had long talks, fun time together and many smiles. Cheryl commented that her life is much richer because of Molly.

For more than 20 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across Lorain County. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.